Haywood Crew

Standing (L to R): Edward Rabbitt (N); Norman Komescher (B); Floyd Haywood (P); Sheldon L. Kling (CP). Kneeling (L to R): Andrew J. Micu (TG); James L. Tinder (NG); Harry A. Edison (WG); Roger H. Latture (WG); Joseph Cussimano (BG); Jack Waldoff (FE).

  • HAYWOOD, Floyd H., Pilot KLING, Sheldon L., Co-Pilot
  • RABBITT, Edward A., Navigator
  • KOHMESCHER, Norman L., Bombardier
  • WOLDOFF, Jack, FT/Eng, Top Gunner
  • TINDER, James L, Radio/Op, Nose Gunner KIA 5 July 44 Haywood (Queen of Hearts)
  • CUSUMANO, Joseph J. “Little Joe” Ball Gunner
  • LATTURE, Roger H., Waist Gunner
  • EIDISON, Henry, Waist Gunner MICU, Andrew J., Tail Gunner

716th Squadron

716logoJohn A. Silverstein (changed his name after the war to John (Jack) Steele) was C.O. from June ‘43 to July ’44. He was followed by Charles E. Harton from July ‘44 to November ’44. Harton had served as the acting C.O. for the 719th squadron while Swan was in the hospital recovering from wounds during May ‘44 to July ‘44. Lloyd M. Bentsen (who became a U.S. Senator from Texas, U. S. Treasurer after the war, and U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate) was the C.O. from November ‘44 until February ’45. Robert Johnson took over from mid-‘45 to V.E. Day in May ’45.

42-78158

Flown overseas by Haywood’s crew arriving in 449th on 18 March ’44. Disposition unknown.

Pictures of Valiant Virgin-ia

VALIANTVIRGIN-IA2

ValiantVirginia

Pin It on Pinterest